By holding students accountable while still going the extra mile as their advocate, Christopher Malone was one of the reasons first-generation and underrepresented students found success at Chico State during his 35-year career.

Even as a University student, Malone was keen to help others. He first worked on campus as an advising and counseling intern, and after graduation secured a position at the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Founded on campus in 1968, the program’s mission is to improve the access for and retention of low-income and first-generation students at Chico State.

Malone progressed at EOP from an advisor to manager role and served as associate director when he retired in 2015. He became proficient in all aspects of what EOP offers students including admissions assistance, peer and professional counseling, learning assistance workshops, and providing social and cultural activities.

One of Malone’s enduring responsibilities was overseeing the EOP Summer Bridge Program, which introduces students to college life and help students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to build a bridge from high school to a successful college experience. He led the program for 30 years, establishing a model that informed the development of other transition programs on campus, and also created targeted academic support initiatives in English (2007) and math (2014) during his time with EOP.

Victoria Bass, current EOP Associate Director, said Malone’s effective mentorship was a reason why EOP students performed well compared to the student population as a whole in persistence rate and other student success markers.

“Not only are EOP students still benefiting from Chris’ work, but so are other countless programs and their students that continue to use the EOP Summer Bridge program as a blueprint for the creation of their own transitional programs.,” said Bass, ten years after Malone’s retirement.

Tracy Butts, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, remembers his career fondly. “Despite his gruff, no-nonsense exterior—just a look from him was enough to make an errant student straighten up and fly right—students quickly learned that Chris was a believer in second, third, and even fourth chances,” said Butts. “Students could always count on Chris to keep it real with them, but they also knew he would be their biggest advocate, coach, and cheerleader—whatever the occasion required.”

To honor Malone in his retirement and continue his legacy in EOP, the University renamed the EOP Achievement award the Christopher T. Malone Achievement Award.

Malone enjoyed his days at Chico State as a student-athlete and continued to be involved in sports in the greater Chico community. He officiated football and basketball games for over 20 years with the Northern California Officials Association and coached the Chico Jaguars youth football team from 1998 to 2008.